North Kingston, R.I. –– Junior Erin McHugh didn’t know what to expect walking into her first spin class freshman year. But after attending a few of the URI cycling classes, she found her passion. 

McHugh first got involved in the Group Exercise Mentor Program in the Fall 2018 semester. The Group Exercise Mentor Program is designed for URI students who would like to become an instructor but do not have experienced or certification. Students interested in instructing sign up to shadow a certified student instructor who teach them how to connect with group members and keep them active and involved during sessions. 

After being certified themselves, students can be hired by Campus Recreation and begin teaching classes the following semester. McHugh is one of around 8 to 10 certified student instructors.

“I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into,” said McHugh. “I just thought [the program] was something cool to do as a side job and so I just went with it.”

Little did she know, her love for spin classes would end up directing her career path going forward. 

McHugh came into URI as a Spanish and Communication Studies double major. Since becoming an instructor, she realized a deeper devotion for fitness and exercise and declared a third major in Health Studies. 

“With health studies I kind of understand the cardiovascular system more, like why cardio and endurance are the basis of a fitness program, and it helps me to better understand how our bodies are working while we’re working out. It gives me the ability to kind of push people despite everyone’s different experience level and help them to do more than they think they can do,” said McHugh. 

This experience and knowledge from her studies have translated well into her classes. McHugh teaches class three times a week and has many returning students, one of whom is senior Casey Carter. 

“Erin is so passionate about spin and it really comes through in the way she teaches. You can really tell she puts in effort to make every class fun and challenging,” said Carter. “I feel like Erin really tries to give the experience of a private spin studio in her classes. She changes her playlists and workouts for every single class so every time you go it’s a new experience.” 

While her dedication to spin inspires her students to enjoy fitness and working out, their enthusiasm is what motivates her the most. 

“When I’m really excited about [class] it makes me a better instructor. I just love when people tell me that this is their favorite class to go to, or when they give me music suggestions,” McHugh said. “Most people just go in and out. They’re there for their workout, which is great and that’s what I’m there for, but I think it’s really rewarding when people tell me they appreciate it.”

As for postgraduate plans, McHugh has not fully made up her mind.

“It’s definitely something I want to keep in my life after college. I do it even when I’m not at school and I’ve had thoughts about maybe starting my own studio with it,” said McHugh. “Even if I weren’t to pursue my own business, I might just teach somewhere else and make it a side hustle.” 

If you are interested in becoming a group exercise instructor, apply to take part in URI Campus Rec’s GEM program. More information about the program and application can be found in the link below.

https://web.uri.edu/campusrec/fitness-and-wellness/group-exercise/

author: Siobhan R.

Hi! I’m Siobhan, a junior Public Relations, Journalism, and Sports Media major from Central Massachusetts. I am so excited to be working with Campus Rec and Club Sports this year as a Sports Writer and Public Relations Assistant. I have always loved all things sports, and I can’t wait to write about all of the amazing club teams here at URI. Another passion of mine is photography, I love capturing portraits, sports, and events. In my free time, I enjoy being with my friends and family, especially my two dogs.